Marathon County. Test well water for safety: Public Health Week column

Although many people mistakenly believe that private wells don’t contain fluoride many Marathon County wells do contain significant amounts. Fluoride at optimal levels (0.7 to 1.2 ppm) can reduce the incidence of dental decay by up to 40%. It’s important that you know the background level of fluoride in your water so your dentist or physician does not prescribe a supplement that is too high. Fluoride levels over 2.0 ppm should not be consumed by children under the age of 9 to avoid the possibility of staining and pitting the teeth known as dental fluorosis. Water containing fluoride levels higher than 4.0 ppm is not considered safe at any age.

Stop by the Marathon County Health Department to pick up a water testing kit and instructions for taking a sample. The laboratory is located at 1000 Lake View Drive and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. For testing prices and other questions please contact the laboratory at 715-261-1908.